Dairygold celebrates stellar week of 4 award wins

3rd October 2024

Dairygold is delighted to congratulate its suppliers who have had their hard work and dedication to excellence in the dairy and tillage industries recognised and rewarded in recent days at various award ceremonies.

Dairygold Suppliers and 2023 Milk Quality Award Winners Aidan and Derval Kennedy were crowned this year’s 2024 National Dairy Council and Kerrygold Quality Milk Award Overall Winners this week, further acknowledgment of the excellent quality milk produced by the Kennedy’s on their farm in Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Each finalist participated in a rigorous judging process carried out by an independent judging panel that examined a broad range of criteria including milk quality, animal care, farm infrastructure and hygiene, soil and grassland management and technical performance, among other core environmental indicators.

Pictured receiving their award are the 2024 NDC and Kerrygold Milk Quality Award Overall Winners Galina, Derval, Aidan and Nickolas Kennedy with (L-R) Conor Galvin, Chief Executive Officer, Ornua, Professor Patrick Wall, UCD, Mark Keller, Interim CEO, NDC, Billy Cronin, Dairygold, Professor Karina Pierce, UCD and David Gleeson, Teagasc. Front row L-R William Ryan, Dairygold, Shane O’Donnell, Dairygold, Larry Hannon, Vice-Chair, NDC and Seán O’Brien, Chairperson, Dairygold.

There was also a strong Dairygold presence at this week’s Teagasc and FBD Sustainability Awards, where previous Dairygold Milk Quality Award Winners Brendan and John Walsh were recognised as the Overall Winners and Dairy Enterprise Winner of the Teagasc/FBD Environmental Sustainable Farmer of the Year 2024 recognition of their actions on farm to improve the sustainability of their enterprise including allowing hedgerows to grow for wildlife habitat and growing clover.

Maria, John and Brendan Walsh pictured with their award at the Teagasc/FBD Sustainability Awards.

At the same awards ceremony, Dairygold Tillage Supplier Tom Barry was announced as the Tillage Enterprise award winner for his work in improving soil health on his farm and reducing artificial fertiliser usage.

Tom Barry accepting his award at the Teagasc/FBD Sustainability Awards from Tom O’Dwyer, Head of the Signpost Programme, Teagasc.

We are delighted to see the dedication of our suppliers to making the industry more sustainable being recognised at these large, established awards amongst very stiff competition and we offer congratulations to all of the winners.

Dairygold also won the Best Energy Achievement in Food and Beverage Award at the recent Business Energy Achievement Awards, recognising Dairygold’s commitment to sustainable energy sourcing and enhancing energy efficiency within its business operations.

Orla O’Connor of Dairygold accepting the Best Energy Achievement in Food and Beverage Award on behalf of Dairygold at the recent Business Energy Achievement Awards.